“Let’s keep up the good work. This year has been challenging—we have El Niño, La Niña–but next year wala na iyong mga iyon kaya wala na tayong excuse. Iyong mga thrust natin should move forward and we should be more productive,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said during the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) 2nd Management Committee meeting of 2024, held on October 9, 2024, at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall.

Top DA officials convened to evaluate the agency’s overall performance for the third quarter, finalize the tasks that need to be completed in the fourth quarter, and prepare interventions for the upcoming year.

“It’s also important for you to hear each other out as we wrap up this year, 2024, and look ahead to 2025. Let’s finish this year properly, so that next year, we can be more synchronized and cohesive in our efforts,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

In his address, Sec. Tiu Laurel congratulated the team for their contributions to the significant slowdown in inflation in September, which was largely attributed to the decline in food prices.

“I give credit to everyone here. Pinasikat niyo ako. The President is very happy that we managed to lower inflation and stabilize the price.” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

Despite the numerous challenges the agriculture sector faces, the agri czar commended the department for staying resilient. “Despite everything, we performed well, but I expect we should perform better next year,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

He directed the DA family to prioritize strengthening digitalization and data management systems. He also emphasized the need to prepare for a possible rise in inflation during the upcoming holiday season, intensify efforts to control African Swine Fever (ASF), ensure the widespread distribution of vaccines, and enhance the overall approach to managing animal diseases. ###